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English

Many English majors have their sights on a future as a teacher or writer. But the degree opens doors to many other types of professions, too. In this program, you will gain a broad liberal arts education and build critical thinking and writing skills that are highly valued in careers in education, publishing, communications, politics and law – to name a few.

As an English major, you will undergo intensive writing training and develop your professional communication skills. You will examine a variety of literary genres and form a solid understanding of how English language and literature shape and reflect cultures around the world. Depending on your career goals, you can focus your studies on literature, creative writing, professional writing, teaching, or linguistics and literacy.

Why Grand View?

  • Develop extensive research and writing skills
  • Participate in English honors society and professional organizations
  • Develop your writing skills while working in our writing center
  • Serve as editor of our undergraduate writing journal, Bifrost

Student Testimonials

Dr. Paul Brooke

"Dr. Brooke makes every single student feel that they are appreciated and important. He teaches with humor and knowledge, but adapts to a student's individual need. He builds your confidence as a student. His positivity is contagious. As a social work major and healthcare provider, I am overjoyed we have someone with your traits teaching students by example. Thank you for being YOU!!!"

- Denise McCullough

Dr. Amy Getty

“Dr. Getty encouraged any ideas I gave out. Supporting and empathizing with students' situations are the first things she does with students.”

- Duy Ly

Program Details

A strong background in English has become increasingly essential. Companies seek English majors for positions in management, personnel, editing, copy writing, advertising, public relations, technical writing, research, and publishing. The major in English also prepares students for graduate studies.

The English department at Grand View offers small classes, dedicated faculty, a rigorous curriculum, opportunities for internships, and activities including the English honors society, poetry slams, guest lectures, and a literary magazine. This degree offers you experiences in the following areas:

Literature 
The study of literature provides, through rigorous analysis of major literary works, a unique experience in recognizing, evaluating, and articulating human values, motives, and qualities.

Writing
In addition to mastering the skills of working writers, you will think critically and creatively about the complexity and diversity of writing; about the place of writers in the global literary conversation; about the current and future role of digital media in creative writing; and about the potential of writing as a tool for social justice. You will acquire skills which will serve you for life in writing after graduation.

Course Requirements (45 credits)

Prerequisites for the major:

ENGL 111
Interpretation of Literature
3 credits

Requirements for the major:

Communication Core Courses

ENGL 150
Introduction to English Studies
2 credits
ENGL 202 or
ENGL 204 or
ENGL 206
Introduction to Creative Writing: Poetry or
Introduction to Creative Writing: Nonfiction or
Introduction to Creative Writing: Fiction 
3 credits or
3 credits or
3 credits
ENGL 205
Writing and Design
3 credits
ENGL 232
Survey of American Literature
3 credits
ENGL 250
Topics in Writing
3 credits
ENGL 301
Topics in Language
3 credits
ENGL 302 Advanced Creative Writing
3 credits
ENGL 311 Literary Theory
3 credits
ENGL 317 Diverse American Voices
3 credits
ENGL 322 Linguistics
3 credits
ENGL 402 Editing and Publishing
3 credits
*ENGL 452
Topics in Literature
3 credits
ENGL 480
Topics in Rhetoric
3 credits
ENGL 484
Directed Research
1 credit
ENGL 485
English Capstone
3 credits
*Double majors in Education take ENGL 217 in place of 452
 *ENGL 217 Literature for Children and Adolescents  3 credits

The area of concentration’s course grades will be counted in computing the 2.5 GPA required for graduating in the English major. Student teaching will be counted in computing the GPA for the Education major, but will not count in computing the GPA for the English major.

English Minor

The minor in English Literature is a great way to experience the rich history of English and American literature, while offering some flexibility to pursue other academic interests. 

The English minor prepares students to think critically about texts; to construct sound arguments based on evidence; to write elegantly and persuasively; and to understand the historical and cultural contexts in which texts are produced, disseminated, and received.

Course Requirements (18 credits above ENGL 111, Interpretation of Literature)

Take at least one course from:

ENGL 231 Survey of American Literature I 3 credits
ENGL 232 Survey of American Literature II 3 credits
ENGL 241 Survey of British Literature I 3 credits
ENGL 242 Survey of British Literature II 3 credits
ENGL 318 Diverse Voices 3 credits

Take at least one course from:

ENGL 202 Introduction to Creative Writing 3 credits
ENGL 309 Writing for Business 3 credits

Creative Writing Minor

Many of today's top employers and graduate schools look for students who write well, no matter where their academic major resides. Effective written communication is an essential job function and will get you noticed by employers. The ability to express your through writing in an effective, thought-provoking manner lets you stand out as a candidate. We also hope to encourage inner creativity and provoke a sense of community as writing has the ability to connect the entire world!

Course Requirements (18 credits above the university composition requirement)

Take at least one course from:

ENGL 202 Introduction to Creative Writing: Poetry 3 credits
ENGL 204 Introduction to Creative Writing: Nonfiction 3 credits
ENGL 206 Introduction to Creative Writing: Fiction 3 credits
ENGL302 Advanced Creative Writing 3 credits
ENGL 402 Editing and Publishing 3 credits

Take at least one Theatre (THTR) course at the 300 level or higher. The English Department strongly recommends THTR 350, Playwriting and Screenwriting:

THTR 350 Playwriting and Screenwriting 3 credits

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Tuition & Scholarships

At Grand View University, your tuition supports instruction delivered by knowledgeable and experienced faculty who uphold our tradition of exceptional teaching. Additionally, we are dedicated to offering a high-quality education at the most affordable cost.

Transfer Credits

No matter what major you’re thinking about, you may be able to transfer in as many as 75 credits from a community college or junior college. If you have an A.A. or A.A.S. from an Iowa community college, you will be automatically admitted at junior status.

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Career Options

  • Editorial Assistant
  • Lexicographer
  • Magazine Journalist
  • Newspaper Journalist
  • Grant Proposal Writing
  • Copy Writing and Editing
  • English as a Foreign Language Teacher
  • Publishing Copy Editor / Proofreader
  • Learning and Development Training
  • Electronic Media
  • Technical Writing
  • Human Resources
  • Writer
  • Marketing

YES, YOU ARE EMPLOYABLE!

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, “what sets two equally qualified job candidates apart can be as simple as who has the better communication skills.” The advanced reading and writing skills taught at Grand View, along with the knowledge of how to put things into compelling narratives, will have a deep and long-lasting impact on your career.

"Are you going to be a teacher?" You'll likely hear this a lot. Most people associate an English major with teaching only, but English is not just a “teaching discipline." Instead it is represented across the landscape of professional fields and careers. In a world of information overload, the communication skills you gain from an English degree are critical and will serve you well.